Self-storing fire escape ladder

ABSTRACT

A concealed storage fire escape ladder of the general type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,226, and having structural refinements affording greater strength during use and improved convenience in assembly. Retractable means including a nylon rope affords a shock-absorbing function when the ladder is dropped into position for use. The individual step elements of the ladder are nestable, and utilization of space within a lowermost tread when the device is stored within a storage cabinet permits storage of a chain interconnecting the ladder with the storage cabinet to be stored within said space.

United States Patent Loeffel 51 July 18,1972

[54] SELF -STORING FIRE ESCAPE LADDER [72] lnventorf Emil Loetlel, 141 Centre Street, Waldwick, NJ. 07463 [22] Filed: July 2,1971

21 Appl.No.: 159,212

[52] [1.8. CI. ..182/70, 182/164 [51] Int. Cl. ..E06c U383 [58] Field of Search ..182/164, 198, 70, 76, 196,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 266,183 10/1882 293,153 2/1884 3,012,626 12/ 1 961 Marryatt 3,415,341 12/1968 Hostetler ..l82/l98 3,547,226 12/1970 Loefiel ..l82/164 Primdry Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney-Charles E. Temko [57] ABSTRACT 7 Chin, 12 Drawing figures Patented July 18, 1912 3,677,366

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented July 18, 1972 2 Shets-Sheet 2 SELF-STORING FIRE ESCAPE LADDER This invention relates generally to the field of collapsible fire escape ladders, and more particularly to improvements in ladders of the type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,226. In my prior construction, as disclosed in the above mentioned patent, means is provided which creates a full length ladder which may be conveniently collapsed using articulated linkage between nesting step tread elements. Certain problems of rigidity have been encountered in the use of this construction, and in addition difficulty has been encountered in the provision of suitable storage of the ladder in such a manner as to be practically instantaneously ready for use upon the occurrence of an emergency.

It is therefore among the principal objects of the present invention to provide an improved ladder construction of the above mentioned type which may be conveniently stored, when not in use, directly below the inside sill of a window.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a self-storing fire escape ladder which may be permanently fastened to the inner surface of a building wall, and which may be quickly readied for use by merely throwing the same through a window to cause expansion of the ladder to its full length.

Yet another object of the invention lies in the provision of ladder construction of the above described type which may offer improved strength and rigidity when in operative condition.

Still another object of the invention lies in the provision of improved ladder construction incorporating means for absorbing' the shock of expanding the ladder to operative condition as the same is thrown through a window, which means may also be used to retrieve the ladder after use.

A further object of the invention lies in the provision of improved ladder construction, in which the cost of fabrication thereof may be of a reasonably low order, directly comparable with existing prior art devices, thereby permitting consequent wide sale, distribution and use.

A feature of the disclosed embodiment lies in the unusually attractive appearance of the storage means permitting instantaneous access to the ladder itself.

These objects and feature, as well as other incidental ends and advantages, will more fully appear in the progress of the following disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of the invention, showing the device in stored condition.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view in perspective showing a bracket element forming a part of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of the embodiment as seen from the plane 3--3 in FIG. 2, and showing the ladder extended in inactive condition, certain of the structure being removed for the purposes of clarity.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in perspective showing the means for attaching chain structure to the bracket element.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the embodiment with cover structure removed.

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the uppermost step tread element.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of the ladder in extended condition.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of an individual step tread element.

FIG. 9 is a view in elevation of a reinforcing plate forming a part of the disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view in elevation showing one of the articulated linkage means forming a part of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view in elevation as seen from the plane l1-11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top plan view of an individual step tread element.

In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly: a mounting bracket element 11, a cover element 12, chain elements 13, a plurality of step tread elements 14, first and second linkage elements 15 and 16, respectively, and ladder retrieval means 17.

The mounting bracket element 11 is best seen in FIG. 2, and comprises a base wall 20 adapted to be secured to the inner surface of a wall of a building below a window opening, using lag screws or other well known fastening means. Connected at each end of the base wall 20 are side walls 21 and 22, the walls 20-22, inclusive, having abbreviated upper walls 23, 24 and 25, respectively, extending laterally therefrom. Lower walls 26, 27 and 28 extend similarly, the walls 27 and 28 having vertical flanges 30 extending therefrom which support the stored step tread elements 14 in inactive condition. A rectangular bracket 31 is secured to the inner surface of the base wall 20, and includes a main wall 32, side walls 33 and 34 and welding flanges 35; the bracket 31, when integrated to the base wall 20 forming a rope storage area 36. An anchoring point 37 engages the rope 38 at one end thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bracket element in installed condition on an inner surface 39 of a wall 40 of a building, preferably directly below a window ledge 41. Lag screws 42 are suitable where the device is installed in frame type buildings.

The cover element 12, like the bracket element 11, is preferably formed of steel stampings, and includes a front wall 44, an upper wall 45 and a lower wall 46. Four side flanges, two of which are indicated by reference character 47 permit engagement with the outer surfaces of the side walls 21 and 22 to frictionally retain the cover element upon the bracket element, ready for instant removal. It may be noted that the ends of the front wall, indicated by reference characters 48 and 49, project beyond the flanges 47 to provide a finger engageable grip.

The chain elements 13 serve to interconnect the bracket element with the uppermost step tread element, and are two in number. Loop fixing means 50 is provided on the inner surface of the bracket element to engage the first link 51 on each of the chains, the last link 53 engaging a connecting member 54 extending upwardly from the upwardmost step tread element 55.

The step tread elements 14 are substantially similar, and, accordingly, a description of one of these elements will serve to describe all. Reference is made to my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,226 granted Dec. 15, 1970, which shows similar structure in considerable detail. Each element includes a centrally disposed tread member 59 having said flanges60 interconnected thereto at longitudinally extending fold lines 61. Laterally extending tabs 62 are punched outwardly from one side flange to assist in maintaining the treads in spaced relation with respect to the outer surface of the building, and thus facilitate the engagement of the foot of the user therewith. Each tread is formed as a single metallic stamping, and is bounded by a continuous peripheral edge 63, an outer surface 64 and an inner surface 65.

Referring to FIG. 8 in the drawings, each end of the tread member 59 is provided with a pair of aligned slotted generally rectangularly shaped openings 66 and an irregularly shaped opening 67 including first, second, and third rectangularly shaped portions 68, 69, and 70, respectively. An upward extending bent tab 71 projects from a longer edge 72. Raised areas 73 cooperate with portions of linkage means to be sub sequently described to position the same in proper relative position as the linkage means is folded. A portion 74 adjacent the peripheral edge 63 is also bent out of the plane of the tread member to assist in positioning a reinforcing plate 75 (FIG. 9) at the time of assembly.

The plate 75 is most conveniently formed as a stamping, and is bounded by a side edge 76, and side edges 77 and 78. A slot 79 is adapted to engage the tab 71, and first, second, and third notches 80, 81, and 82 are positioned to partially overlie the openings 66-68 to reduce the effective size thereof.

The link elements 15 and 16 generally resemble those disclosed in my above mentioned prior patent, and are preferably so configured that one of the links may be fashioned using scrap material remaining after a stamping operation forming the other. The element 15 includes first and second leg members 86 interconnected at one end thereof by a transverse member 87. The free ends 88 of each of the leg members are provided with notched offset portions 89 and rectangularly shaped terminals 90. A crimped connecting area 91 in the transverse member 87 is provided with a rectangular opening 89, the crimping operation serving to reduce the effective size of the opening after assembly of the element 15 with the element 16, again, as disclosed in my above mentioned prior patent.

The element 16 includes a single leg member 95, a first terminal 96 of which is inserted through the opening 72 upon assembly, and communicating with an offset portion 97. A second terminal 98 projects through the opening 89. Raised areas 99 and depressed areas 100 add rigidity to the terminal 98, while an angularly disposed edge portion 101 bears against a corresponding surface on the element 15 to prevent looseness of fit in the area of the opening 67 when the weight of the user is placed upon the step tread element.

The retrieval means 17, as has been mentioned, includes a nylon rope 104, the first end of which is anchored to the bracket element. Centrally disposed round openings are provided in each of the step tread elements, and the rope is threaded therethrough. A first knot 106 is spaced along the rope to lieabove the uppermost step tread element, and a second knot 107 is spaced further therealong such that the difference between the knots 106, 107 is slightly less than the distance between the uppermost and lowermost step tread element when the ladder is in fully elongated condition. Thus, when the ladder is thrown out through a window, and allowed to fall toward the ground, as the ladder reaches its full length, the resilient qualities inherent in the nylon rope will serve to provide a shock absorbing or cushioning function assisting the ladder in arriving at a stable condition within a short period of time.

Assembly of the ladder is facilitated by utilizing the full width of the openings 66 and 67 at each end of each individual step tread element during engagement of the link elements and 16. The plate 75 is then positioned, which captivates the engaging ends of the elements 15 and 16, following which the tab 71 is bent over to retain the plate in condition. The terminals 90 and 96 are then bent 90 degrees to permit the step tread elements to be nested, and the elements 15 and 16 are mutually interconnected as described in my above mentioned patent.

I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of structure shown and set forth in this specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

I claim:

1. A self-storing collapsible fire escape ladder comprising in combination, a plurality of step plate elements, each including a planar tread member, and a pair of side flanges interconnected to said tread member along the longitudinal edges thereof in diverging relation, whereby said step plate elements may be placed in nesting relation, a plurality of pairs of elongated link elements interconnecting said step plate elements to lie in mutually parallel relation when said ladder is in extended condition; means for storing said step plate elements in nested condition including a bracket element having a vertically disposed base wall having means for attaching the same to a wall surface of a building, a pair of side walls extending laterally from the plane of said base wall, and having means adjacent a lower horizontal edge thereof for supporting a plurality of nested step plate elements, and a cover element having a vertically disposed front wall, and upper and lower walls slidably engaged upon said bracket element; andmeans flexibly interconnecting the uppermost of said step plate elements to said base wall of said bracketelement.

2. Structure in accordance with claim 1, said last mentioned means including a pair of flexible chains, removal of said cover element from engagement with said bracket element exposing an interstice between said said side walls thereof for the passage of said pair of chains.

3. Structure in accordance with claim 2, said plurality of step plate elements in nested condition defining a recess; said chains, in inactive position being stored in said recess.

4. Structure in accordance with claim 1, including nylon rope retrieval means, said step plate elements each having a substantially centrally disposed opening therein, a first end of said rope retrieval means being secured to said bracket element, and passing through said opening in each of said step plate elements, and having an effective length in unstressed condition slightly less than the effective length of said ladder in extended condition, whereby rapid extension of said ladder under the force of gravity is cushioned as the ladder reaches full length.

5. Structure in accordance with claim 4, said bracket element having means for storing said rope means on an inwardly disposed surface thereof.

6. In a plurality of interconnected step plate elements, an articulate linkage for interconnecting said step plate elements for use as a collapsible fire escape ladder, the improvement comprising: said step plate elements each including a planar tread member and a pair of side flanges interconnected to said tread member along the longitudinal edges thereof, each of said tread members having at an end portion thereof at least one opening extending through the plane thereof of predetermined dimensions, through which a terminal of said linkage may pass; and reinforcing plate means adapted to partially overlie said opening and reduce the effective size of said opening, whereby to pivotally captivate said terminal.

7. Structure in accordance with claim 6, further characterized in said plate having an elongated opening, said tread member having a bendable tab engageable within said opening to captivate said plate in position against a planar surface of said tread member. 

1. A self-storing collapsible fire escape ladder comprising in combination, a plurality of step plate elements, each including a planar tread member, and a pair of side flanges interconnected to said tread member along the longitudinal edges thereof in diverging relation, whereby said step plate elements may be placed in nesting relation, a plurality of pairs of elongated link elements interconnecting said step plate elements to lie in mutually parallel relation when said ladder is in extended condition; means for storing said step plate elements in nested condition including a bracket element having a vertically disposed base wall having means for attaching the same to a wall surface of a building, a pair of side walls extending laterally from the plane of said base wall, and having means adjacent a lower horizontal edge thereof for supporting a plurality of nested step plate elements, and a cover element having a vertically disposed front wall, and upper and lower walls slidably engaged upon said bracket element; and means flexibly interconnecting the uppermost of said step plate elements to said base wall of said bracket element.
 2. Structure in accordance with claim 1, said last mentioned means including a pair of flexible chains, removal of said cover element from engagement with said bracket element exposing an interstice between said said side walls thereof for the passage of said pair of chains.
 3. Structure in accordance with claim 2, said plurality of step plate elements in nested condition defining a recess; said chains, in inactive position being stored in said recess.
 4. Structure in accordance with claim 1, including nylon rope retrieval means, said step plate elements each having a substantially centrally disposed opening therein, a first end of said rope retrieval means being secured to said bracket element, and passing through said opening in each of said step plate elements, and having an effective length in unstressed condition slightly less than the effective length of said ladder in extended condition, whereby rapid extension of said ladder under the force of gravity is cushioned as the ladder reaches full length.
 5. Structure in accordance with claim 4, said bracket element having means for storing said rope means on an inwardly disposed surface thereof.
 6. In a plurality of interconnected step plate elements, an articulate linkage for interconnecting said step plate elements for use as a collapsible fire escape ladder, the improvement comprising: said step plate elements each including a planar tread member and a pair of side flanges interconnected to said tread member along the longitudinal edges thereof, each of said tread members having at an end portion thereof at least one opening extending through the plane thereof of predetermined dimensions, through which a terminal of said linkage may pass; and reinforcing plate means adapted to partially overlie said opening and reduce the effective size of said opening, whereby to pivotally captivate said terminal.
 7. Structure in accordance with claim 6, further characterized in said plate having an elongated opening, said tread member having a bendable tab engageable within said opening to captivate said plate in position against a planar surface of said tread member. 